The Valley, Anguilla- On Saturday, June 25, the 2021 Hello Tourist programme culminated with a surprise “Daycation” for the 15 winners of the Individual Project from each of the participating schools. The children and three teacher Chaperones, accompanied by Mrs. Candis Niles and Ms. Dejonique Baghwan of the Department of Education, were hosted for an entire day from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm at the Beachcourt Villa in Shoal Bay. Housekeeper, Ms. Tessa Patrick, was on hand to ensure everything ran smoothly for the day. This venture was made possible – thanks to the generosity of Mr. And Mrs. Steve Seligman, and the support of Mrs. Lisa Webster of Tranquil Villa Management and Mrs. Janine Edwards of Sunset Homes.
The students started the day at 7:30 am with pick up from the Teachers’ Resource Centre by Preston Hughes’ Transportation Services, followed by poolside breakfast, provided by Alfonso’s Restaurant, and then free time which was spent on the tennis courts and in the pool. Mid-morning would see them transported to Shoal Bay Beach with Preston Hughes’ Transportation services. Students were then divided into 2 groups for their amazing Boat Tour with Junior Fleming’s Glass Bottom Boat Services. Just as any bona fide tourists would, they also enjoyed the beautiful warm waters of Shoal Bay Beach. The students enjoyed lunch at Las Olas Beachside Restaurant before returning to the Villa.
That afternoon, they were treated to a Paint and Sip Party hosted by artist Canita Ruan. Their theme was inspired by the beautiful seascape, which they had enjoyed throughout the day. After the painting session the students were treated to snacks and given the opportunity to relax. Naturally, they chose to spend the time in the pool, before taking to the tennis courts once again. The day culminated with a Pizza Party and students were invited to complete evaluation forms to assess the day’s experiences.
The students checked out of the villa at 8:00 pm and were picked up from the Teachers’ Resource Centre for transport back home by their parents at 8:30 pm. Tired, but totally happy with their Villa Daycation Experience, the students rated their day as “Over the Top”, “Awesome, awesome!”, “Great” and “Wonderful!” to recall a few expressions.
The Department of Education acknowledges the contribution of local businesses: Arian Freight & Custom Brokerage, Anguilla Masonry Products, AquamTech Water Supplies and Services, Safe Cargo, Zarna Brokerage Trucking and Shipping, Morlen’s Architecture, JB Gases and Richards Architectural Development & Survey (RADS) Co. Ltd., for their monetary donations which helped to make the Daycation and the Hello Tourist Daytrip/ Excursion, experiences possible for the six Primary Schools. Thanks are also extended to Preston Hughes’ Transportation Services and our Driver throughout the entire Programme, Mrs. Aura Hughes, who provided excellent service over the four weeks of the programme. Our meal service was expertly and superbly delivered by Ocean Echo, and Las Olas Restaurants, and Junior’s Glass Bottom Boat Tours; and Canita Ruan Paint Services provided rich tourism experiences for the Daycation. We thank them all for extending special discounted pricing for their vital tourism services.
The Hello Tourist programme also thanks The Anguilla Great House and Shoal Bay Villas for the opportunity to conduct site inspections to share insights into Anguilla’s accommodations and the special Charming Escapes properties. Gratitude is also extended to Mr. Tashim Fleming, and Aaron Richardson of the Anguilla National Trust ,and Ms. Regine Niles of the Department of Education, for their services in leading our guided tours to Anguilla’s natural, national treasure spots – The Anguilla Arch in West End and the Brimigen Goat Cave.
Thanks are extended to ANGLEC for its support of the Project Component of the Hello Tourist Programme, and to Anguilla Office Supplies, Anguilla Electronics and Shop and Take for providing prizes for our individual project overall winners.
Hello Tourist 2021 is also grateful to the Ministry of Tourism, the Anguilla Tourist Board and the Department of Education for their monetary support and assistance with making the Hello Tourist experience possible in spite of Covid-19.
– Press Release
